Overview
- The ban, which takes effect Tuesday, 1 September, will first apply at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin‑Gesundbrunnen, Kiel and Braunschweig and is to be extended to about 5,400 DB stations by 15 October 2026.
- The rule prohibits on‑site drinking across station premises including platforms and halls but allows people to carry alcohol and lets licensed station restaurants continue to sell and serve drinks.
- Violations are met with an immediate expulsion from the station (Platzverweis) and repeat offenders can receive a formal house ban (Hausverbot).
- Deutsche Bahn says the measure follows pilot projects that reduced litter and alcohol‑related conflicts, but it admits DB Sicherheit will not be expanded enough for full, constant enforcement.
- On large‑event days such as Bundesliga matchdays DB plans visible security presence and de‑escalation tactics with the Bundespolizei called in for serious incidents, a practical test of the policy’s limits.